Rack system for wine bottles and the like

ABSTRACT

A bottle rack system comprising at least a first vertical mounting post and a plurality of bottle supports affixed to the first mounting post. Each bottle support comprises a horizontal crossbar and two support arms affixed to the crossbar. The two support arms are adapted to together hold at least one bottle with each arm supporting a different part of the bottle.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 13/897,415, filed May 19, 2013, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to rack systems for wine bottles and the like.

BACKGROUND

Racks and rack systems for wine bottles and the like come in many different configurations and designs. Some rack designs are purely or primarily utilitarian, and may be used in locations where the wine is stored away from public view. Some rack designs are intended to be used for public display of wine and, therefore, are preferably more aesthetically pleasing. In particular, high end restaurants often place a great value on rack systems that not only hold a large quantity of wine bottles, but that display the wine bottles in interesting, unique, and eye-catching configurations. However, known racks and rack systems are severely limited in the number and types of configurations allowable.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In one embodiment of the invention, a rack system comprises at least a first mounting post and a plurality of bottle supports. Each bottle support comprises a horizontal crossbar and two support arms affixed to the crossbar. The two support arms are adapted to together hold at least one bottle with each arm supporting a different part of the bottle.

A vertical channel may be defined in back surface of the crossbar for receiving a portion of the first mounting post.

The system may further comprise a plurality of rings, each ring selectively mountable in a different location on either one of the support arms.

The two support arms of each bottle support may be affixed to the first mounting post at a same vertical position on the first mounting post.

The two support arms of each bottle support may be adapted to together hold at least one bottle in a substantially horizontal position.

Each of the two support arms may comprise at least one corresponding downward curve adapted to cradle the bottle.

Each of the two support arms may comprise (i) one corresponding downward curve adapted to cradle one bottle, (ii) two corresponding downward curves adapted to cradle two bottles, or (iii) three corresponding downward curves adapted to cradle three bottles.

The first mounting post may be adapted to be mounted in a plurality of different rotational orientations.

The system may further comprise one or more wall-mount brackets, wherein the first mounting post may be adapted to be mounted to a wall using the one or more wall-mount brackets.

The system may further comprise a ceiling-mount bracket or a floor-mount bracket or both, wherein the first mounting post may be (i) adapted to be mounted to a ceiling using the ceiling-mount bracket or (ii) adapted to be mounted to a floor using the floor-mount bracket or (iii) both.

The ceiling-mount bracket or the floor-mount bracket or both may be mountable to a respective ceiling or floor or both at a distance away from a wall such that the first mounting post is freestanding and not affixed to the wall.

The first mounting post may be hollow with an open top end, an open bottom end, or both. The ceiling-mount bracket, the floor-mount bracket, or both may comprise a projection that is insertable into the respective open top end, open bottom end, or both of the first mounting post for mounting to a respective ceiling or floor or both.

Each of the plurality of bottle supports may be affixable to the mounting post at multiple different rotational positions on the mounting post.

The first mounting post may have four sides and a square cross-sectional shape. The first mounting post and/or each bottle support may be adapted to enable mounting of each bottle support to the mounting post such that the bottle support projects outward from any desired side of the mounting post.

The first mounting post and/or at least one of bottle supports may be adapted to enable mounting of the at least one bottle support to the mounting post such that the at least one bottle support projects outward from any desired position along a perimeter of the mounting post.

The first mounting post and/or at least two bottle supports may be adapted to enable mounting of the at least two bottle supports to the mounting post such that the support arms of each of the at least two bottle support projects outward from the mounting post in opposite directions.

The first mounting post and/or at least two bottle supports may be adapted to enable mounting of the at least two bottle supports to the mounting post such that the support arms of each of the at least two bottle supports projects outward from the mounting post in opposite directions and further such that each of the at least two bottle supports is mounted to the mounting post at a same vertical height.

The first mounting post and/or at least two bottle supports may be adapted to enable mounting of the at least two bottle supports to the mounting post such that the support arms of each of the at least two bottle support projects outward from the mounting post substantially perpendicularly to each other.

The first mounting post and/or at least two bottle supports may be adapted to enable mounting of the at least two bottle supports to the mounting post such that the support arms of each of the at least two bottle supports projects outward from the mounting post substantially perpendicularly to each other and further such that each of the at least two bottle supports is mounted to the mounting post at a different vertical height.

The plurality of bottle supports may be a first plurality of bottle supports, and the system may further comprise a second mounting post and a second plurality of bottle supports. Each bottle support of the second plurality of bottle supports may comprise a horizontal crossbar and two support arms affixed to the crossbar, the two support arms adapted to together hold at least one bottle with each arm supporting a different part of the bottle. The first and second mounting posts and/or the first and second pluralities of bottle supports may be adapted to enable mounting of at least one of the first plurality of bottle supports substantially perpendicularly to at least one of the second plurality of bottle supports.

In addition to the rack system, as described above, other embodiments of the invention are directed to corresponding methods for holding and displaying bottles, such as wine bottles and the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIGS. 1A-B illustrate an example of a bottle rack system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 2A-C illustrate a segment of the bottle rack system of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3A-C illustrate a single bottle support of the bottle rack system of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 4A-C illustrate a double bottle support of the bottle rack system of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 5A-C illustrate a triple bottle support of the bottle rack system of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 6A-B illustrate a connection of a bottle support arm and mounting post of the bottle rack system FIG. 1.

FIGS. ? A-B illustrate a connection of two bottle support arms affixed to a mounting post on opposite sides with one and other of the bottle rack system FIG. 1.

FIGS. 8A-B illustrate a mounting post of the bottle rack system of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 9A-C illustrate an optional wall mount anchor plate for the bottle rack system of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 10A-C illustrate an optional deck mount anchor plate for the bottle rack system of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 11A-B illustrate installation of a deck mount anchor plate assembly of the bottle rack system of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 12A-B illustrate installation of a wall mount anchor plate assembly of the bottle rack system of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 13A-B illustrate a presentation bottle support of the bottle rack system of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 14A-B illustrate an optional rotatable deck mount of the bottle rack system of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 15A-B illustrate an optional motor driven rotatable deck mount of the bottle rack system of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 16A-C illustrate a segment of a bottle rack system, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 17A-C illustrate a single bottle support of the bottle rack system of FIGS. 16A-C.

FIG. 18 illustrates a connection of a bottle support and mounting post of the bottle rack system FIGS. 16A-C.

FIG. 19 illustrates a connection of two bottle support arms affixed to a mounting post on opposite sides with one and other of the bottle rack system FIGS. 16A-C.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the invention provide a rack system for storage and display of wine bottles and the like. Advantageously, the rack system of embodiments of the invention are capable of holding a large quantity of wine bottles in many different interesting and unique configurations, due to the large number and types of configurations allowable. Specifically, embodiments of the invention provide a bottle rack system in which a plurality of bottles can be supported and displayed on a single mounting post. Advantageously, the single mounting post can be oriented in any direction, can have different heights, and enables multiple different bottle positions on the same mounting post. Further, multiple mounting posts can be mounted adjacent to each other, with different mounting posts having the same or different bottle positions, thereby enabling a very large number of configurations and storage/display of a large number of bottles.

Referring now to FIGS. 1A-B, an example of a bottle rack system is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 1A-B can be viewed as illustrating two different things, thereby illustrating the flexible nature of the bottle rack system of embodiments of the invention. First, FIGS. 1A and 1B can be considered alternative views (either front and side views, respectively, or side and front views, respectively) of a bottle rack system 10 that comprises a single mounting post 12 with a plurality of bottle supports 16/24/28 mounted thereon (discussed in more detail below). Second, FIGS. 1A and 1B can be considered to together illustrate a bottle rack system that comprises two mounting posts 12, each mounting post having plurality of bottle supports 16/24/28 mounted thereon. Each separate mounting post 12 and corresponding plurality of bottle supports may be termed a “column” and the bottle support or combination of multiple bottle supports at the same vertical locations may be termed a “row” of the bottle rack system. As discussed above, embodiments of the invention advantageously provide a bottle rack in which a plurality of bottles can be supported and displayed on a single mounting post. However, as illustrated in this second aspect of FIGS. 1A and 1B, multiple mounting posts may be positioned adjacent each other to provide increased storage and display capacity. As seen in this second illustrated aspect of FIGS. 1A-B, the flexible nature of the mounting of each post 12 enables different posts to be mounted in different rotational positions within a single bottle rack system. For example, FIGS. 1A and B together illustrate that mounting posts 12 may be mounted at 90 degrees to each other within a bottle rack system, such that the wine bottles 60 in one column are viewed from the end (FIG. 1A) and the wine bottles 60 in another column are viewed from the side (FIG. 1B).

Rather than mounting the mounting posts 12 in different rotational positions to achieve different views of the wine bottles (e.g., end or side views), embodiments of the invention enable the bottle supports 16/24/28 to be affixed to the mounting post 12 at different rotational positions on the post (e.g., on any one of the four sides of the mounting post (when the mounting post is square as in the illustrated embodiments)). As illustrated in other figures herein, the bottle supports may be affixed at different rotational positions on the same post, thereby providing different views of wine bottles even within the same column.

Any desired number of mounting posts may be used in a rack system of embodiments of the invention, thereby providing as few as one column or as many columns as space permits. Any desired height of mounting posts may be used, as space permits. The mounting posts may, as discussed in more detail below, be wall-mounted, ceiling-mounted, floor-mounted, ceiling- and floor-mounted, wall- and ceiling-mounted, or wall-and floor-mounted. Any desired number, type (e.g., single, double, or triple) and configuration (e.g., affixed to different sides of the mounting post) of bottle supports may be used.

The different mounting configurations of the mounting post and bottle supports, combined with the different mounting post heights and bottle support configurations, enable the creation of a tremendously large number of different rack system configurations.

Specific components of a bottle rack system of embodiments of the invention will now be described in more detail. As illustrated in FIGS. 1A-B, bottle rack system 10 comprises mounting post 12 with a plurality of single bottle supports 16, double bottle supports 24, and triple bottle supports 28 mounted thereon. Mounting post 12 is floor- and ceiling-mounted using deck mount anchor plates 44 such that bottles 60 are displayed substantially parallel with the floor (a small deviation from parallel, e.g., less than about 5 degrees, may be tolerated, but limited deviation from parallel is desirable for both aesthetics and security of the wine bottles). The bottles 60 may be arranged on the bottle supports 16/24/28 such that at least one bottle label is visible on each support when viewing the wine bottle from a side view. While a specific number, combination, and order of triple bottle supports 28, double bottle supports 24 and single bottle supports 16 is illustrated, any suitable number, combination, and order of bottle supports may be used.

In addition to the illustrated bottle supports that hold and display bottles for a side or end view, one or more bottle presentation supports 64 may be used as a substitute for one or more bottle supports 16/24/28. Such a bottle presentation support, which is illustrated in FIGS. 13A and 13B, holds the bottle at a downward angle and in such a position that the bottle label is in the correct orientation for easy reading.

While bottle supports are illustrated mounted on one face of mounting post 12, any face of mounting post 12 can receive bottle supports. Alternatively, bottle supports can be mounted in the same plane on opposing sides of mounting post 12, as illustrated in FIG. 7. While a particular pair of deck mount anchor plates 44 is illustrated, a pair or combination of wall mount anchor plate 34 (the wall-mount and deck-mount anchor plates are described in more detail below), deck mount swivel plate 66, which is illustrated in FIGS. 14A and 14B or deck mount motor drive plate 68, which is illustrated in FIGS. 15A and 15B, may be used.

FIGS. 2A-C illustrate a segment of the bottle rack system of FIG. 1. FIG. 2A is an isometric view of a portion of the bottle rack system 10 of FIG. 1, showing a mounting post 12 with triple bottle support 28 affixed thereto and oriented perpendicular to mounting post 12 and supporting three bottles 60. FIG. 2B is a front view and FIG. 2C is a side view of a portion of the bottle rack system 10 of FIG. 1. FIG. 2A illustrates only one triple bottle support 28 for clarity, while FIGS. 2B and 2C illustrate three triple bottle supports 28.

FIGS. 3A-C illustrate a single bottle support of the bottle rack system of FIG. 1. FIG. 3A is a top view of single bottle support 16. Single bottle support 16 comprises two bottle support arms 18 affixed to cross bar 20 such that the two single bottle support arms 18 are substantially parallel with each other while being substantially perpendicular to cross bar 20. Single bottle support arms 18 may be affixed to cross bar 20 using any suitable means, including but not limited to welding, mechanical fasteners, or adhesives. Cross bar 20 is affixed to two post attachment arms 22 such that the two post attachment arms 22 are substantially parallel with each other while being substantially perpendicular to cross bar 20. Cross bar 20 and post attachment arms 22 may be affixed to each other using any suitable means, including but not limited to welding, mechanical, fasteners or adhesives. The use of post attachment arms 22 to affix bottle support 16 to mounting post 12 is discussed in more detail below in relation to FIG. 6. FIG. 3B is a side view of single bottle support 16 which illustrates the curvature of bottle support arm 18 and the location of hole in post attachment arm 22. The curvature enables bottle support arms 18 to cradle a single bottle securely. While a particular curvature of single bottle support arms 18 is illustrated, any suitable curvature may be used. Alternatively, single bottle support arms 18 may be straight with two stops affixed to each support arm that are spaced to securely cradle a bottle between the stops. FIG. 3C is a rear view of single bottle support 16 which illustrates the location of two affixed bottle support arms for single bottle support 18 relative to each other along the face of cross bar 20 and the location of two affixed post attachment arms 22 relative to each other along the face of cross bar 20.

FIGS. 4A-C illustrate a double bottle support of the bottle rack system of FIG. 1. FIG. 4A is a top view of double bottle support 24. Double bottle support 24 comprises two bottle support arms 26 affixed to cross bar 20 such that the two double bottle support arms 26 are substantially parallel with each other while being substantially perpendicular to cross bar 20. Double bottle support arms 26 may be affixed to cross bar 20 using any suitable means, including but not limited to welding, mechanical fasteners, or adhesives. Cross bar 20 is affixed to two post attachment arms 22 such that the two post attachment arms 22 are substantially parallel with each other while being substantially perpendicular to cross bar 20. Cross bar 20 and post attachment arms 22 may be affixed to each other using any suitable means, including but not limited to welding, mechanical fasteners, or adhesives. The use of post attachment arms 22 to affix bottle support 24 to mounting post 12 is discussed in more detail below in relation to FIG. 6. FIG. 4B is a side view of double bottle support 24 which illustrates the curvature of double bottle support arm 26 and the location of hole in post attachment arm 22. The curvature enables double bottle support arms 26 to cradle two bottles securely. While a particular curvature of double bottle support arms 26 is illustrated, any suitable curvature may be used. Alternatively, double bottle support arms 26 may be straight with four stops affixed to each arm that are spaced to securely cradle a bottle between a group of four stops (two stops on each arm). FIG. 4C is a rear view of double bottle support 24 which illustrates the location of two affixed bottle support arms for double bottle support 26 relative to each other along the face of cross bar 20 and the location of two affixed post attachment arms 22 relative to each other along the face of cross bar 20.

FIGS. 5A-C illustrate a triple bottle support of the bottle rack system of FIG. 1. FIG. 5A is a top view of a triple bottle support 28. Triple bottle support 28 comprises two triple bottle support arms 30 affixed to cross bar 20 such that the two triple bottle support arms 30 are substantially parallel with each other while being substantially perpendicular to cross bar 20. Triple bottle support arms 30 may be affixed to cross bar 20 using any suitable means, including but not limited to welding, mechanical fasteners, or adhesives. Cross bar 20 is affixed to two post attachment arms 22 such that the two post attachment arms 22 are substantially parallel with each other while being substantially perpendicular to cross bar 20. Cross bar 20 and post attachment arms 22 may be affixed to each other using any suitable means, including but not limited to welding, mechanical fasteners, or adhesives. The use of post attachment arms 22 to affix bottle support 28 to mounting post 12 is discussed in more detail below in relation to FIG. 6. FIG. 5B is a side view of a triple bottle support arm 28 which illustrates the curvature of triple bottle support arm 30 and the location of hole in post attachment arm 22. The curvature enables triple bottle support arms 30 to cradle three bottles securely. While a particular curvature of triple bottle support arms 30 is illustrated, any suitable curvature may be used. Alternatively, double bottle support arms 26 may be straight with six stops affixed to each arm that are spaced to securely cradle a bottle between a group of four stops (two stops on each arm).FIG. 5Cis a rear view of triple bottle support 28 which illustrates the location of two affixed bottle support arms for triple bottle support 30 relative to each other along the face of cross bar 20 and the location of two affixed post attachment arms 22 relative to each other along the face of cross bar 20.

While the bottle support arms of single bottle support 16, double bottle support 24, and triple bottle support 28 are described herein as being substantially parallel with each other, a small deviation from parallel, e.g., less than about 5 degrees, may be tolerated. However, limited deviation from parallel is desirable for both aesthetics and security of the wine bottles. In alternative embodiments of the invention, the bottle supports may comprise bottle support arms that are markedly and purposely non-parallel (e.g., the support arms may diverge at the distal ends or may converge at the distal ends). While the bottle support arms of single bottle support 16, double bottle support 24, and triple bottle support 28 are described herein as being substantially perpendicular to cross bar 20, a small deviation from perpendicular, e.g., less than about 5 degrees, may be tolerated. However, limited deviation from perpendicular is desirable for both aesthetics and security of the wine bottles. In alternative embodiments of the invention, the bottle supports may comprise bottle support arms that are markedly and purposely non-perpendicular to the cross bar (e.g., the support arms may diverge at the distal ends or may converge at the distal ends). While the post attachment arms of single bottle support 16, double bottle support 24, and triple bottle support 28 are described herein as being substantially parallel with each other, a small deviation from parallel, e.g., less than about 5 degrees, may be tolerated. However, limited deviation from parallel is desirable for secure attachment of the bottle support to the mounting post. In alternative embodiments of the invention in which the mounting post may be round instead of square, the post attachment arms may be corresponding curved.

FIGS. 6A-B illustrate a connection of a bottle support arm and mounting post of the bottle rack system FIG. 1. FIG. 6A is a top view of a typical connection of a single bottle support 16, a double bottle support 24, or a triple bottle support 28 to mounting post 12 using fastener 52 and fill plate 32. When mounted as illustrated, a face of mounting post 12 is parallel and flush with cross bar 20, one post attachment arm 22 (on the left side of FIG. 6A) is parallel and flush with mounting post 12 and one post attachment arm 22 (on the right side of FIG. 6A) is parallel and flush with fill plate 32 with opposite side of fill plate 32 parallel and flush with mounting post 12. Thus, fill plate 32 fills a gap that would otherwise exist between one of the post attachment arms and the mounting post. This gap would otherwise exist because the spacing between the post attachment arms is greater than is necessary to sandwich the mounting post between the two post attachment arms when only one bottle support is affixed to the mounting post at a vertical location. This extra space between the two post attachment arms enables two bottle supports to be affixed to the mounting post at the same vertical location (i.e., in plane with one another), as illustrated in FIG. 7. A fastener 52 (such as a bolt and corresponding nut) affixes two post attachment arms 22, one mounting post, and one fill plate 32 by way of aligned holes through the members. FIG. 6B is a side view of a fill plate 32 with hole for mechanical fastening between a post attachment arm 22 and mounting post 12.

FIGS. 7A-B illustrate a connection of two bottle support arms affixed to a mounting post on opposite sides in plane with one another of the bottle rack system FIG. 1. FIG. 7A is a top view of a typical connection of two bottle supports (such as two single bottle supports 16 (illustrated), two double bottle supports 24, two triple bottle supports 28, or combinations thereof) and mounting post 12 using fastener 54, such that the two bottle supports 16 a, 16 b are in the same plane as one another. Cross bars 20 a and 20 b are substantially parallel to each other and parallel and flush with opposite faces of mounting post 12. Post attachment arms 22 a of bottle support 16 a are substantially parallel to each other, and post attachment arms 22 b of bottles support 16 b are substantially parallel to each other. One post attachment arm of each bottle support assembly is flush and parallel with the mounting post 12. The opposite post attachment arm of each bottle support assembly sandwiches the flush post attachment of the other bottle support assembly against the mounting post. Note that no fill plate is required. FIG. 7B is an exploded top view of the connection shown in FIG. 7A. The exploded view of FIG. 7B more clearly illustrates the interlaced arrangement of the post attachment arms of the two bottle support assemblies.

FIGS. 8A-B illustrate a mounting post of the bottle rack system of FIG. 1. FIG. 8A is a front view of a mounting post 12 with post holes 14. Mounting post 12 is typically a hollow, tubular structure constructed of any suitable material having sufficient strength and durability. Mounting post 12 may have a square cross-sectional shape, as illustrated, or may have any other suitable cross-sectional shape. Post holes 14 typically have a center-to-center spacing greater than or equal to the diameter of the desired bottle to be stored/displayed plus the delta from the uppermost plane of a bottle support arm to the lowermost plane of a bottle support arm, such that clearance is provided for bottles to be removed from a bottle support without significant contact with the bottle support above. However, any suitable spacing and/or number of holes may be defined in the mounting post. For example, closer spacing of holes and a greater number of holes may be provided to enable the bottle supports to be affixed to the mounting post any many different positions, thereby increasing the number of possible configurations. FIG. 8B is a top view of a mounting post 12 bisected with post holes 14. In the illustrated embodiment, post holes 14 are aligned on any two opposite parallel faces of mounting post 12. In alternative embodiments of the invention, post holes may be aligned on all four faces to enable the bottle supports to be affixed to the mounting post at multiple different rotational positions.

The mounting posts may be wall-mounted. Affixing a mounting post to a wall will typically, although not necessarily, involve affixing the top end of the mounting post to the wall and affixing the bottom end of the mounting post to the wall. FIGS. 9A-C illustrate an optional wall mount anchor plate for the bottle rack system of FIG. 1. The wall mount anchor plate of FIGS. 9A-C is capable of affixing either the top end or bottom end of the mounting post to a wall, depending on which way the wall mount anchor plate is oriented. FIG. 9A is a top view of wall mount anchor plate 34 comprising a vertical portion 36, a horizontal portion 38, and a post insertion member 40. When the anchor plate 34 is mounted to a wall, vertical member 36 is flush against the wall. Plate mount holes 42 are defined in the face of vertical portion 36 to receive fasteners that affix anchor plate 34 to the wall. Post insertion member 40 is affixed substantially perpendicularly to horizontal portion 38. In use, post insertion member 40 is inserted into a corresponding end of the mounting post such that the end of the mounting post is flush or nearly flush with the horizontal portion 38, as illustrated in FIGS. 12A-B. As such, exterior dimensions of post insertion member 40 shall be less than or equal to the interior dimensions of mounting post 12. Post mount holes 62 are defined in opposing faces of post insertion member 40. Post mount holes 62 are aligned with each other and with corresponding holes on the mounting post, such that a suitable fastener may be inserted through all four holes to affix the wall mount anchor plate to the mounting post. Vertical portion 36 is typically a perpendicular continuation of horizontal portion 38 (i.e., vertical portion 36 and horizontal portion 38 are typically formed from a single piece of metal that is appropriately bent). Alternatively, vertical portion 36 and horizontal portion 38 may be formed separately and affixed to each other using any suitable means, including but not limited to welding, mechanical fasteners, or adhesives. Post insertion member 40 may be affixed to horizontal portion 38 using any suitable means, including but not limited to welding, mechanical fasteners, or adhesives. FIG. 9B is a front view and FIG. 9C is a side view of wall mount anchor plate 34 shown in FIG. 9A.

The mounting posts may alternatively be ceiling-mounted (i.e., suspended from the ceiling), floor-mounted (i.e., projecting upward from the floor), or ceiling- and floor-mounted (affixed to both the ceiling and the floor). Affixing a mounting post to a ceiling and/or a floor will typically, although not necessarily, involve affixing the top end of the mounting post to the ceiling and affixing the bottom end of the mounting post to the floor. FIGS. 10A-C illustrate an optional deck mount anchor plate for the bottle rack system of FIG. 1. The deck mount anchor plate of FIGS. 10A-C is capable of affixing either the top end of the mounting post to a ceiling or the bottom end of the mounting post to a floor, depending on which way the deck mount anchor plate is oriented. FIG. 10 A is a top view of deck mount anchor plate 44 comprising attachment plate 46 and post insertion member 48. When the anchor plate 44 is mounted to a ceiling or floor, attachment plate 46 is flush against the ceiling/floor. Plate mount holes 50 are defined in the face of attachment plate 46 to receive fasteners that affix attachment plate 46 to the ceiling/floor. Post insertion member 48 is affixed substantially perpendicularly to attachment plate 46. In use, post insertion member 48 is inserted into a corresponding end of the mounting post such that the end of the mounting post is flush or nearly flush with the attachment plate 46, as illustrated in FIGS. 11A-B. As such, exterior dimensions of post insertion member 48 shall be less than or equal to the interior dimensions of mounting post 12. Post mount holes 62 are defined in opposing faces of post insertion member 48. Post mount holes 62 are aligned with each other and with corresponding holes on the mounting post, such that a suitable fastener may be inserted through all four holes to affix the wall mount anchor plate to the mounting post. Post insertion member 48 may be affixed to attachment plate 46 using any suitable means, including but not limited to welding, mechanical fasteners, or adhesives. FIG. 10B is a front view and FIG. 10C is a side view of deck mount anchor plate 46 shown in FIG. 10A.

FIGS. 11A-B illustrate installation of a deck mount anchor plate assembly of the bottle rack system of FIG. 1. FIG. 11A is a front view of a deck mount assembly of the bottle rack system 10. FIG. 11B is a side view of deck mount assembly shown in FIG. 11A. As described above, post insertion member 48 is inserted into an end of mounting post 12. Post insertion member 48 and mounting post 12 are affixed to one another using fastener 58. Fasteners 56 affix the deck mount plate 46 to a suitable ceiling or floor structure, including but not limited to sheetrock with wood backing, masonry, or layered plywood.

FIGS. 12A-B illustrate installation of a wall mount anchor plate assembly of the bottle rack system of FIG. 1. FIG. 12A is a front view of a wall mount assembly of the bottle rack system 10. FIG. 12B is a side view of wall mount assembly shown in FIG. 12A. As described above, post insertion member 40 is inserted into an end of mounting post 12. Post insertion member 40 and mounting post 12 are affixed to one another using fastener 58. Fasteners 56 affix the vertical portion 36 to a suitable wall structure, including but not limited to sheetrock with wood backing, masonry, or layered plywood.

In addition to affixing the mounting post only to a wall or only to a floor and/or ceiling, the mounting post may be partially affixed to a wall and partially affixed to a floor or ceiling. For example, the top end of the mounting post may be affixed to a ceiling while the bottom end of the mounting post is affixed to a wall. Alternatively, the top end of the mounting post may be affixed to a wall while the bottom end of the mounting post is affixed to a floor. Such combination mounting techniques may use one of the wall mount anchor plate 34 and one of the deck mount anchor plate 44.

FIGS. 13A-B illustrate a presentation bottle support of the bottle rack system of FIG. 1. FIG. 13A is a top view of presentation bottle support 98. Presentation bottle support 98 comprises a perimeter support arm 106 affixed to cross bar 102 such that the two sides of perimeter support arm 106 are substantially parallel with each other while being substantially perpendicular to cross bar 102. Perimeter support arm 106 may be affixed to cross bar 102 using any suitable means, including but not limited to welding, mechanical fasteners, or adhesives. Cross bar 102 is affixed to two post attachment arms 100 such that the two post attachment arms 100 are substantially parallel with each other while being substantially perpendicular to cross bar 102. Cross bar 102 and post attachment arms 100 may be affixed to each other using any suitable means, including but not limited to welding mechanical fasteners, or adhesives. Presentation bottle support 98 is mounted to mounting post 12, at any desired position on mounting post 12.When mounted as illustrated, the front face of mounting post 12 is parallel and flush with cross bar 102, one post attachment arm 100 (on the left side of FIG. 13A) is parallel and flush with one side of mounting post 12 and the other post attachment arm 100 (on the right side of FIG. 13A) is parallel and flush with the opposite side of mounting post 12. A fastener 110 (such as a bolt and corresponding nut) affixes two post attachment arms 100 and mounting post 12 by way of aligned holes (108 in FIG. 13B) through the members. While FIG. 13A illustrates off-center mounting of post attachment arms 100 to cross bar 102, post attachment arms 100 may be affixed to cross bar 102 at any desired location along cross bar 102. Intermediate support arms 104 are affixed to cross bar 102 and perimeter support arm 106 such that the intermediate support arms 104 are substantially perpendicular to both the cross bar 102 and the distal end of perimeter support arm 106. Intermediate support arms 104 are affixed to cross bar 102 and perimeter support arm 106 such that the space between a perimeter support arm and an adjacent intermediate support arm or between two adjacent intermediate support arms creates a parallel group of supporting arms for cradling a bottle that is laid onto the supporting arms. The space between a perimeter support arm and an adjacent intermediate support arm or between two adjacent intermediate support arms is wide enough that a bottle sits far enough down into the space between the supporting arms to securely hold the bottle, but not so wide as to allow the bottle to fit through the space. Presentation bottle support 98 of FIGS. 13A-B is configured to support three bottles (one bottle supported by the left side of the perimeter support arm and the adjacent intermediate support, one bottle supported by the right side of the perimeter support arm and the adjacent intermediate support, and one bottle supported by the two center intermediate supports). FIG. 13B is a side view of presentation bottle support 98 which illustrates the angle of bend in perimeter support arm 106 and intermediate support arms 104. The angle allows for bottle labels to be viewed easily when cradled as stated above. While a particular angle of perimeter support arm 106 and intermediate support arm 104 is illustrated, any suitable angle may be used.

FIGS. 14A-B illustrate an optional rotatable deck mount of the bottle rack system of FIG. 1. FIG. 14A is a top view of rotatable deck mount 66 comprising anchor plate 72, bearing system 76, and post insertion member 70. When the anchor plate 72 is mounted to a ceiling or floor, anchor plate 72 is flush against the ceiling/floor. Plate mount holes 78 are defined in the face of anchor plate 72 to receive fasteners that affix attachment plate 72 to ceiling/floor. Bearing system 76 is affixed substantially perpendicular to anchor plate 72. Post insertion member 70 is affixed to bearing system 76 such that the rotation of post insertion member 70 corresponds axially with the rotation of the bearing system 76. In use, post insertion member 70 is inserted into a corresponding end of mounting post such that the end of the mounting post 12 is flush or nearly flush with the bearing system 76, as such, exterior dimensions of post insertion member 70 shall be less than or equal to the interior dimensions of mounting post 12. Post mount holes 62 are defined in opposing faces of post insertion member 70. Post mount holes 62 are aligned with each other and with corresponding holes on the mounting post, such that a suitable fastener may be inserted through all four holes to affix the rotatable deck mount 66 to the mounting post 12. Post insertion member 70 may be affixed to bearing system 76 using any suitable means, including but not limited to welding, mechanical fasteners, or adhesives. Bearing system 76 may contain a braking mechanism for stopping at set degrees of rotation (e.g., every 90 degrees). FIG. 14B is a side view of rotatable deck mount 66 as shown in FIG. 14A.

FIGS. 15A-B illustrate an optional motor driven rotatable deck mount of the bottle rack system of FIG. 1. FIG. 15A is a top view of motor driven rotatable deck mount 68. FIG. 15B is a side view of motor driven rotatable deck mount 68. Motor driven rotatable deck mount 68 comprising motor 94, anchor plate 88, anchor plate 90, bearing system 82, bearing system 92, motor shaft 96, and post insertion member 80. Bearing system 82 is affixed substantially perpendicular to anchor plate 88. Post insertion member 80 is affixed to bearing system 82 such that the rotation of post insertion member 80 corresponds axially with the rotation of the bearing system 82. In use, post insertion member 80 is inserted into a corresponding end of mounting post such that the end of the mounting post 12 is flush or nearly flush with the bearing system 82, as such, exterior dimensions of post insertion member 80 shall be less than or equal to the interior dimensions of mounting post 12. Post mount holes 62 are defined in opposing faces of post insertion member 80. Post mount holes 62 are aligned with each other and with corresponding hoes on the mounting post, such that a suitable fastener may be inserted through all four holes to affix the motor driven rotatable deck mount 68 to the mounting post 12. Post insertion member 80 may be affixed to bearing system 82 using any suitable means, including but not limited to welding, mechanical fasteners, or adhesives. Bearing system 92 is affixed substantially perpendicular to anchor plate 90. Motor 94 is affixed to bearing system 92 such that the rotation of motor shaft 96 corresponds axially with the rotation of the bearing system 92. Bearing system 92 may be affixed to motor 94 using any suitable means, including but not limited to welding, mechanical fasteners, or adhesives. Anchor plate holes 86 in anchor plate 90 are aligned with corresponding anchor plate holes 84 in anchor plate 88, such that a suitable fastener may be inserted through corresponding holes to affix the motor driven rotatable deck mount 68 through a substantial mounting surface. Motor 94 may be any adequate direct or belt driven electric motor which may be controlled by a remote.

Referring now to FIGS. 16-19, a segment of a bottle rack system is illustrated in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The alternative system of FIGS. 16-19 comprises a different bottle support 120 that mounts to the mounting post 12 in a different manner. The structure of the bottle support 120 is simpler than that of the bottle supports described above, and therefore bottle support 120 is easier and less expensive to manufacture.

The alternative bottle support illustrated in FIGS. 16-19 may be used in a bottle rack system like that illustrated in FIGS. 1A-B. As with the system of FIGS. 1A-B, a system using the alternative bottle support illustrated in FIGS. 16-19 may comprise one or more vertical mounting posts, each mounting post having one or more bottle supports affixed thereon. Multiple mounting posts may be positioned adjacent each other to provide increased storage and display capacity. The flexible nature of the mounting of each post enables different posts to be mounted in different rotational positions within a single bottle rack system (e.g., 90 degrees to each other). Rather than mounting the mounting posts in different rotational positions to achieve different views of the wine bottles (e.g., end or side views), embodiments of the invention enable the bottle supports to be affixed to the mounting post at different rotational positions on the post (e.g., on any one of the four sides of the mounting post (when the mounting post is square as in the illustrated embodiments)). As with the embodiments described above, the bottle supports may be affixed at different rotational positions on the same post, thereby providing different views of wine bottles even within the same column. As with the embodiments described above, any desired number of mounting posts may be used in a rack system of alternative embodiments of the invention, thereby providing as few as one column or as many columns as space permits. Any desired height of mounting posts may be used, as space permits. The mounting posts may be wall-mounted, ceiling-mounted, floor-mounted, ceiling- and floor-mounted, wall- and ceiling-mounted, or wall-and floor-mounted. Any desired number, type (e.g., single bottle supports 130, double bottle supports (not illustrated), and/or triple bottle supports 120), and configuration (e.g., affixed to different sides of the mounting post) of bottle supports may be used. The only difference between the single, double, and triple bottle supports is the length and shape of the support arms; the crossbar would typically be identical.

The alternative bottle support illustrated in FIGS. 16-19 will now be described in more detail. FIGS. 16A-C illustrate a segment of a bottle rack system using an alternative bottle support. FIG. 16A is an isometric view of a portion of the alternative bottle rack system, showing a mounting post 12 with triple bottle support 120 affixed thereto and supporting three bottles 60. FIG. 16B is a front view and FIG. 16C is a side view of a portion of the alternative bottle rack system. FIG. 16A illustrates only one triple bottle support 120 for clarity, while FIGS. 16B and 16C illustrate three triple bottle supports 120. Triple bottle support 120 comprises two bottle support arms 124 affixed to horizontal cross bar 122 such that the two bottle support arms 124 are substantially parallel with each other while being substantially perpendicular to cross bar 122. Bottle support arms 124 may be affixed to cross bar 122 using any suitable means, including but not limited to welding, mechanical fasteners, or adhesives. A vertical channel (the top of which is visible but not labeled in FIG. 16A) is defined in a back surface of the crossbar 122 for receiving a portion of the mounting post 12 (as seen in FIG. 16A). A mounting hole 126 is defined in the crossbar 122 for securing the bottle support 120 to the mounting post 12 (as described further below). The crossbar 122 may be substantially planar, except for the vertical channel, as illustrated.

FIGS. 17A-C illustrate a single bottle support of the alternative bottle rack system. FIGS. 17A-C are top, side, and rear views, respectively, of single bottle support 130. Single bottle support 130 comprises two bottle support arms 134 affixed to cross bar 132 such that the two single bottle support arms 134 are substantially parallel with each other while being substantially perpendicular to cross bar 132. Single bottle support arms 134 may be affixed to cross bar 132 using any suitable means, including but not limited to welding, mechanical fasteners, or adhesives. A vertical channel 138 is defined in a back surface of the crossbar 132 for receiving a portion of the mounting post 12 (as described further below). A mounting hole 136 is defined in the crossbar 132 for securing the bottle support 130 to the mounting post 12 (as described further below). One or more rings (e.g., O-rings) 142 may be selectively mountable at different locations on either one of the support arms 142 to help maintain the bottles in place on the arms 134 by reducing slippage or increasing friction between the bottle and the arms of the bottle supports. FIG. 17A illustrates a typical configuration in which four rings 142 are placed on the two arms 134 such that one ring on each arm will be on opposite sides of the bottle. (A double bottle support would typically have eight rings, and a triple bottle support would typically have twelve rings.) The rings may be positioned such that the bottle sits on the rings, or the rings may be positioned such that the bottle sits between the rings (the rings may or may not touch the bottles in this latter configuration). The rings may be made out of any suitable material (e.g., elastomer, rubber, silicone, plastic, etc.), but would typically have a sufficiently high coefficient of friction relative to the bottle to help maintain the position of the bottle. The rings may or may not be resilient, but in any event would be sized to provide a snug fit on the arms while still being able to be readily positioned and repositioned on the arms as needed.

FIG. 18 illustrates a connection of a bottle support arm and mounting post of the alternative bottle rack system. FIG. 18 is a top view of a typical connection of a single bottle support 130 to mounting post 12 (the connection of a double bottle support or a triple bottle support to the mounting post would be the same). The bottle support 130 is positioned against the mounting post 12 such that a portion of the mounting post sits in the vertical channel of the crossbar 132 and such that the mounting hole 136 in the crossbar is aligned with one of the mounting holes (not visible) defined in the mounting post 12. (As described above, the mounting post will typically have a plurality of post holes defined therein. Post holes may be aligned on any two opposite parallel faces of the mounting post, or may be aligned on all four faces to enable the bottle supports to be affixed to the mounting post at multiple different rotational positions). A fastener 140 (such as a bolt or other similar mechanism) is passed through the aligned holes in the crossbar and mounting post, and secured such as with a nut or other similar mechanism. Because there is only a single bolt affixing the bottle support to the mounting post, the vertical channel is important to help prevent rotation of the bottle support (about the fastener) which might cause the bottle to fall out of the bottle support. With a portion of the mounting post sitting in the vertical channel and with the fastener securely fastened, it is difficult if not impossible to rotate the bottle support.

FIG. 19 illustrates a connection of two bottle support arms affixed to a mounting post on opposite sides with one another (at the same vertical location along the mounting post) of the alternative bottle rack system. FIG. 19 is a top view of a typical connection of two bottle supports (such as two single bottle supports 130 (illustrated), two double bottle supports, two triple bottle supports, or combinations thereof) and mounting post 12 using fastener 140, such that the two bottle supports 130 are at the same vertical location along the mounting post. Each bottle support 130 is positioned against opposite sides of the mounting post 12 such that a corresponding portion of the mounting post (on opposite sides of the mounting post) sits in the vertical channel of each crossbar 132 and such that the mounting holes 136 in the crossbars are aligned with one of the mounting holes (not visible) defined in the mounting post. A fastener 140 (such as a bolt or other similar mechanism) is passed through the aligned holes in the crossbars and mounting post, and secured such as with a nut or other similar mechanism.

If mounting post 12 has post holes only on two opposite parallel faces of the mounting post, then bottle supports may be mounted on the either or both of the same two opposing sides. If mounting post 12 has post holes on all four faces, then bottle supports may be mounted on any of the four sides of the mounting post.

The components of embodiments of the invention described herein may be constructed out of any suitable material or materials. For example, the mounting posts, bottle supports, and anchor plates may be constructed of steel, stainless steel, plastic (any suitable type of plastic), Kevlar, carbon fiber, composite materials, or any other suitable material.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. 

That which is claimed:
 1. A bottle rack system comprising: at least a first vertical mounting post; and a plurality of bottle supports affixed to the first mounting post, each bottle support comprising: a horizontal crossbar; and two support arms affixed to the crossbar, the two support arms adapted to together hold at least one bottle with each arm supporting a different part of the bottle.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein a vertical channel is defined in a back surface of the crossbar for receiving a portion of the first mounting post.
 3. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of rings, each ring selectively mountable in a different location on either one of the support arms.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the two support arms of each bottle support are affixed to the crossbar at a same vertical position.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the two support arms of each bottle support are adapted to together hold at least one bottle in a substantially horizontal position.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the two support arms comprises at least one corresponding downward curve adapted to cradle the bottle.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the two support arms comprises (i) one corresponding downward curve adapted to cradle one bottle, (ii) two corresponding downward curves adapted to cradle two bottles, or (iii) three corresponding downward curves adapted to cradle three bottles.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the first mounting post is adapted to be mounted in a plurality of different rotational orientations.
 9. The system of claim 1, further comprising: one or more wall-mount brackets; wherein the first mounting post is adapted to be mounted to a wall using the one or more wall-mount brackets.
 10. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a ceiling-mount bracket or a floor-mount bracket or both; wherein the first mounting post is (i) adapted to be mounted to a ceiling using the ceiling-mount bracket or (ii) adapted to be mounted to a floor using the floor-mount bracket or (iii) both.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the ceiling-mount bracket or the floor-mount bracket or both are mountable to a respective ceiling or floor or both at a distance away from a wall such that the first mounting post is freestanding and not affixed to the wall.
 12. The system of claim 10, wherein the first mounting post is hollow with an open top end, an open bottom end, or both; wherein the ceiling-mount bracket, the floor-mount bracket, or both comprise a projection that is insertable into the respective open top end, open bottom end, or both of the first mounting post for mounting to a respective ceiling or floor or both.
 13. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of bottle supports are affixable to the mounting post at multiple different rotational positions on the mounting post.
 14. The system of claim 1, wherein the first mounting post has four sides and a square cross-sectional shape, and wherein the first mounting post and/or each bottle support are adapted to enable mounting of each bottle support to the mounting post such that the bottle support projects outward from any desired side of the mounting post.
 15. The system of claim 1, wherein the first mounting post and/or at least one of bottle supports are adapted to enable mounting of the at least one bottle support to the mounting post such that the at least one bottle support projects outward from any desired position along a perimeter of the mounting post.
 16. The system of claim 1, wherein the first mounting post and/or at least two bottle supports are adapted to enable mounting of the at least two bottle supports to the mounting post such that the support arms of each of the at least two bottle support projects outward from the mounting post in opposite directions.
 17. The system of claim 1, wherein the first mounting post and/or at least two bottle supports are adapted to enable mounting of the at least two bottle supports to the mounting post such that the support arms of each of the at least two bottle supports projects outward from the mounting post in opposite directions and further such that each of the at least two bottle supports is mounted to the mounting post at a same vertical height.
 18. The system of claim 1, wherein the first mounting post and/or at least two bottle supports are adapted to enable mounting of the at least two bottle supports to the mounting post such that the support arms of each of the at least two bottle support projects outward from the mounting post substantially perpendicularly to each other.
 19. The system of claim 1, wherein the first mounting post and/or at least two bottle supports are adapted to enable mounting of the at least two bottle supports to the mounting post such that the support arms of each of the at least two bottle supports projects outward from the mounting post substantially perpendicularly to each other and further such that each of the at least two bottle supports is mounted to the mounting post at a different vertical height.
 20. The system of claim 1, where the plurality of bottle supports is a first plurality of bottle supports, and wherein the system further comprises: a second vertical mounting post; and a second plurality of bottle supports affixed to the second mounting post, each bottle support of the second plurality of bottle supports comprising: a horizontal crossbar; and two support arms affixed to the crossbar, the two support arms adapted to together hold at least one bottle with each arm supporting a different part of the bottle; wherein the first and second mounting posts and/or the first and second pluralities of bottle supports are adapted to enable mounting of at least one of the first plurality of bottle supports substantially perpendicularly to at least one of the second plurality of bottle supports. 